Local champion thoroughbred Expect Smoke will lead a field of seven thoroughbreds in Sunday’s 1-1/8 miles “Independence Day Classic” at the Randall “Doc” James race track.

Last time out he whipped many of these very same horses that he will face on Sunday; however it will be the first time facing arguably the hottest thoroughbred in training on St. Croix right now, Blackjack Bob.

Blackjack Bob will be going for his fifth win in a row and his seventh out of his last eight starts. At this extended distance, he will be coming like a runaway freight train in the stretch.